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Every photon counts...
Welcome to the Moravian Instruments web site devoted to cameras for low light imaging in astronomy and microscopy.



Messier 16 Eagle nebula

C3-61000 camera on 600mm f/4.5 ASA RC telescope

Author: Wolfgang Prompter

Messier 16 “Eagle nebula”Updated: 27.9.2022
 If there is a contest for the most aesthetically pleasing image of a deep sky object, this image of M16 “Eagle nebula” by Wolfgang Prompter would be among the finalists, at last according to our opinion (esthetics is subjective). The chosen false-color palette and framing of the faint structures in the nebula create beautiful artwork. (more...)
M51 “Whirlpool” galaxyUpdated: 25.8.2022
 The M51 “Whirlpool” galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici belongs among the most famous spirals on the sky. In fact, this is the first galaxy, which spiral structure was discovered. Also, this object in fact consists of two interacting galaxies in the process of merging, which makes it even more interesting. (more...)
C5 Series CMOS CamerasUpdated: 5.10.2022
 C5 camera series is designed to accommodate the latest generation of extremely large Sony IMX CMOS sensors with 100 and 150 MPx resolution and diagonal dimension up to 67 mm. Many of the used sensor properties share the exceptional features of the sensors used in the C3 series, including the 3.76 μm pixel size with the full-well capacity exceeding 50 ke-, very high quantum efficiency thanks to back-illuminated design and very low dark current. C5 sensors also offer 16 bit digitization, perfectly linear response to light and exceptionally low read noise. Despite very large sensors, the C5 camera head dimensions are the same like the Enhanced Cooling variants of the C3 and C4 series. All these features make C5 cameras the ultimate devices for both aesthetic astro-photography as well as astronomical research. (more...)
Messier 27 “Dumbbell” planetary nebulaUpdated: 12.7.2022
 M27 is just a perfect planetary nebula to observe. It is bright enough to be easily visible even in small binoculars. It is also large enough not to be mistaken for a star. It is also not just a round shape, but shows distinct brightening on the sides (hence the “Dumbbell” nickname, although “Apple core” is much more suitable in my opinion). (more...)
Moravian Instruments astronomical cameras in scienceUpdated: 5.7.2022
 Moravian Instruments astronomical cameras are often presented as tools for getting beautiful pictures of the deep sky wonders. But Moravian cameras have also other side — they are often used to gather scientific measurements leading to world-class research. (more...)
NGC4038 “Antennae” interacting galaxiesUpdated: 15.3.2022
 We present one more totally breathtaking image from Wolfgang Prompter. Imaging this iconic duo of interacting galaxies NGC4038, appropriately nicknamed “Antennae”, in a few spare hours after capturing another object, lead to surprising result. (more...)
NGC253, NGC1365 and NGC1532 galaxiesUpdated: 21.10.2021
 We present breathtaking images of three galaxies, captured by Wolfgang Promper with his new C3-61000 PRO camera on ASA telescope. World class instruments, located in Namibia — a place with very low light pollution and dark sky, combined with Wolfgang’s experience, explain the exceptional quality of these images. (more...)
SH2-171 nebulaUpdated: 19.10.2021
 We received another “first light” image, taken with the C3-61000 camera. This time it is the SH2-171 nebulosity complex imaged in real (reg, green and blue) colors by Andrea Lucchetti. (more...)
NGC6992 “Veil Nebula”Updated: 10.9.2021
 This incredibly detailed image of the NGC6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus was captured by Martin Myslivec with his new C3-61000 camera on the 40 cm f/4 corrected Newtonian telescope. In fact, this is the very first image captured with the very first C3-61000 camera sold. (more...)
C1× Series CMOS CamerasUpdated: 11.8.2022
 C1× cameras employ the same sensors like the C3 series — latest generation of Sony APS and Full-Frame (24 × 36 mm) CMOS sensors, offering exceptional quantum efficiency thanks to back-illuminated design and very low dark current. Despite relatively small pixels, full-well capacity exceeds 50 ke-, rivaling cameras with much greater pixels. Combined with full 16 bit digitization, perfectly linear response to light and exceptionally low read noise, these cameras are suitable for both aesthetic astro-photography as well as astronomical research. At the same time the C1× camera head is designed to be symmetrical, with as small front cross-section as possible. (more...)
M104 “Sombrero”Updated: 26.4.2021
 How far can amateurs go in the pursuit to perfect their images of deep-sky objects? Consider the image of the M104 galaxy, nicknamed “Sombrero”, below. The iconic image of M104, captured by the HST, surpasses it in resolution and details, but this is expected from multi-billion dollar orbiting observatory with 2.4 meters mirror. Otherwise, this image is very close to the best images from ground-based telescopes ever captured. (more...)
C3 Series CMOS CamerasUpdated: 11.8.2022
 C3 cameras employ the latest generation of Sony IMX CMOS sensors, offering exceptional quantum efficiency thanks to back-illuminated design and very low dark current. Despite relatively small pixels, full-well capacity exceeds 50 ke-. Combined with full 16 bit digitization, perfectly linear response to light and exceptionally low read noise, these cameras are suitable for both aesthetic astro-photography as well as astronomical research. Sensor formats from APS to photographic full-frame (24 × 36 mm) ensure wide field of view and optimally utilize capabilities of the optical systems most commonly used by amateur astronomers. (more...)
SIPS version 3.24Updated: 29.12.2020
 Continuously increasing number of SIPS users ensures a steady flow of feedback. We of course try to sort out which of the proposed new functions would be most useful and at the same time appreciated by most users, and implement these features in every new SIPS version. Check what's new in SIPS v3.24 — some of the newly added functions could help you when observing of processing of acquired images. (more...)
SIPS version 3.22Updated: 12.10.2020
 Majority of new features of the Scientific Image Processing System version 3.22 are related to the word “Scientific” in its name, improving astrometric and photometric processing of images taken for research purposes. Also, the single important bug-fix of this SIPS release concerns unreliable astrometry plate solution of arbitrary rotated images. (more...)
C4 Series CMOS CamerasUpdated: 12.10.2022
 The C4-16000 cooled scientific CMOS camera sensors offer the same geometry like the CCDs in the famous G4-16000 cameras — sensor size 37 × 37 mm, 9 μm pixels and 16 MPx (4k × 4k) resolution. Also the mechanical design of C4 cameras inherits from G4 Mark II cameras, which makes the C4 camera line fully compatible with vast range of telescope adapters, off-axis guider adapters, filter wheels, Camera Ethernet adapters, guiding cameras etc. (more...)
C1+7000 and C2-7000 cooled CMOS cameras replace the G2-1600 CCD camera in research applicationsUpdated: 2.11.2020
 New cooled CMOS cameras C1+7000 and C2-7000 offer quite large pixels of 4.5 μm, especially compared to majority of other CMOS based cameras available. As CCD sensors, often employing much bigger pixels, are no longer available, even relatively small increase in pixel size of a CMOS sensor significantly increases some key parameters like dynamic range (pixel area and thus also a number of electrons each pixel can accommodate corresponds to the square of pixel dimension). (more...)
C1+ Series CMOS CamerasUpdated: 14.5.2021
 C1+ camera models are designed to fulfill the gap between small and lightweight C1 models, intended as Moon and planetary cameras and auto-guiders, and C2 cameras, equipped with active sensor cooling and mechanical shutter and thus intended for more serious astronomical imaging and research. C1+ cameras are able to work as C1 ones, only being somewhat heavier and bulkier, and at the same time C1+ can replace the C2 models, only with slightly less cooling performance and lack of mechanical shutter. (more...)
C2 Series CMOS CamerasUpdated: 3.1.2022
 The cooled C2 series global shutter CMOS cameras were developed for imaging under extremely low-light conditions in astronomy, microscopy and similar areas. Mechanical design of this series inherits from earlier CCD-based G2 Mark II cameras, which makes the C2 series fully compatible with vast range of telescope adapters, off-axis guider adapters, internal or external filter wheels, Camera Ethernet adapters, guiding cameras etc. (more...)
C1 Series CMOS CamerasUpdated: 24.3.2021
 The C1 series cameras with global shutter CMOS sensors were designed to be small, lightweight imagers for Moon and planets and for automatic telescope guiding. With proper image calibration, C1 cameras provide surprisingly good results also in entry-level deep-sky imaging. The used CMOS sensors response to light is linear up to very close to saturation point, so, C1 cameras can be used for scientific applications like variable star research, too. (more...)
Back Focal Distance of Gx Mark II camerasUpdated: 22.11.2018
 Gx Mark II cameras are available in many variants — individual G2, G3 and G4 series offer camera integration with internal or external filter wheels, Off-Axis Guider adapters, various threaded adapters as well as standard Canon EOS and Nikon lens bayonet adapters etc. One of the distinguishing feature of Mark II cameras is the telescope/lens adapter interface allowing precise adjustment of optical axis (sensor tilt). Despite the vast variability and many options, the Gx Mark II camera system was designed to maintain adapter-specified back focal distance of adjustable adapters on all camera variants. (more...)
Gx Camera Ethernet Adapter — Standard, Mini and Micro versionsUpdated: 8.12.2016
 Gx Camera Ethernet Adapter allows connection of Gx series cameras (models G0 to G4) to the control computer using Ethernet interface and TCP/IP protocol stack (this means over Local or Wide Area Networks). Single Gx Camera Ethernet Adapter contains four USB 2.0 ports and allows connection of up to four Gx cameras at the same time (regardless of the specific series, cameras can be freely combined). (more...)
What can 64 bit operating system do and which driver versions to choose?Updated: 24.7.2015
 “64 bits” is a new marketing buzz-word in the world of mobile phones and tablets, but it is rather common in the world of Personal Computers. Despite the 64 bit systems are available for many years, especially recently number of newly installed 32 bit systems sharply declines and 64 bit systems dominate. Surprisingly, general understanding what does it mean is very low and particularly baffling is the fact, that 64 bit operating system is (fortunately) perfectly capable to run 32 bit applications. The answer to the question which driver version (32 bit or 64 bit) to install requires understanding of a few concepts. (more...)
External filter wheels for Gx CCD camerasUpdated: 19.5.2017
 The ability to capture individual exposures through various filters is one of the key features of the cooled CCD cameras, regardless if being used for scientific research or for astronomical photography. This is why the Gx CCD cameras were designed to include the filter wheel inside the camera head and to integrate filter wheel control into camera control from the beginning. When more than 5 or 6 filters are necessary or the filter wheel has to be used with G4 camera, the filter wheel is too large to be placed inside the camera head. External filter wheel is then the only option. (more...)
 
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